Israeli Airstrikes on the Border City of Rafah; 50 Palestinians Killed and Two Israeli Hostages Released

Bayan News – International media, citing health officials in Gaza, have reported that the Israeli army launched unprecedented airstrikes on the border city of Rafah last night (February 11).

According to the published reports, in these airstrikes, 50 Palestinians were killed, and two Israeli hostages held by Hamas were freed.

Residents of Rafah have told the media, “Israeli airplanes, tanks, and ships participated in these attacks, targeting two mosques and several houses.”

Meanwhile, the Israeli army has announced that in a joint operation with Israeli National Security and a special police unit in Rafah, they have freed two hostages, aged 60 and 70.

Previously, the Israeli army had asked the residents of Rafah to evacuate the city.

Reuters news agency reported, citing the White House, that US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that Israel should not initiate military operations without a credible plan to ensure the safety of approximately one million displaced people in Rafah.

Prior to the Israeli airstrikes on the city of Rafah, concerns were raised about the creation of a humanitarian disaster.

At the same time, Hamas had also warned that an attack on Rafah would eliminate any possibility of dialogue regarding the release of hostages.